Educational Programs

Tomorrow’s challenges need today’s changemakers.

The world needs leaders who can meet the moment.

Harvard Kennedy School empowers our students and professional learners to make real, tangible impacts in a rapidly changing world. We equip our students with the training and innovative ideas necessary to tackle society’s most pressing challenges.

Whether you’re looking to achieve your master’s or doctorate degree, public leadership credential, or expand your professional scope with executive education, Harvard Kennedy School is where dreamers turn into visionaries.

Explore our diverse portfolio of degree programs and professional and lifelong learning options, where academic excellence and real-world impact meet. You’ll learn from world-class faculty, engage with influential thinkers, and build a global network of peers.

Degree programs

Master’s degree programs

Learn essential skills to shape public policy and champion powerful ideas. Whether you’re an aspiring public servant or established professional looking to pursue specialized interests, we have the programs that will set you apart.

Doctoral programs

Work with bright minds and committed faculty members who are leaders in their fields. You’ll have unparalleled access to resources, community, and mentorship that will propel you into an academic or policymaking career.

Professional & lifelong learning

Executive Education

Be part of a vibrant community of leaders around the globe, increase your salary, and gain a competitive edge. Designed for rising and senior leaders, these programs offer high-impact, faculty-led experiences—available on campus or live online.

Public Leadership Credential

Work on improving your public leadership skills online with this flexible series of courses. Designed for learners with a bachelor’s degree, this opportunity offers a pathway to a Harvard Kennedy School master’s degree.

Harvard Online

For curious adult learners looking to expand their knowledge, Harvard Online offers accessible, self-paced courses on foundational topics. These flexible courses make it easy to learn on your schedule.

Meet our students & participants

Master’s Degree: Brian Goodman

Brian is taking the lessons he learned during his degree program to become a more competent, better equipped military strategist.

PhD: Lauren Russell

An applied microeconomist, Lauren Russell PPOL PhD 2023 is headed to the Federal Reserve Board to continue her study of racial disparities.

Executive Education: Rachel McEneny

Rachel received her Executive Certificate in Public Leadership, with the goal of becoming the most effective leader she could possibly be during a time of unprecedented crisis in her workforce.

PLC: Ripsime Paronikyan

Ripsime completed the Public Leadership Credential and then applied via the PLC pathway to a Master’s program and earned a degree from ��vlog�� in 2024.

Graduate courses & academic calendar

Graduate Courses

Browse courses led by experts on topics like artificial intelligence, game theory, leadership, negotiation, political science, data and analytics for social issues, and more.

Academic Calendars & Policies

Access our student handbook, course preview and exam schedules, and multi-year academic calendar so you can start planning your educational journey. You’ll also find our course preview days, which are opportunities to sit in on classes before the academic year is underway.

Undergraduate opportunities

While Harvard Kennedy School is a graduate school, we also host two programs for undergraduates interested in public policy and leadership: a seven-week summer program focused on public policy and international affairs, and a multi-day conference dedicated to the ��vlog�� experience.

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